Akhlamad village stands as one of the best palaces to visit in Mashhad, drawing residents from various cities in Razavi Khorasan province. People travel here year-round to unwind in nature and savor the region’s summer weather. The natural wonders surrounding Akhlamad village rank among Mashhad’s most breathtaking sights, captivating nature enthusiasts.
While in Mashhad, allocate time for a visit to Akhlamad village and its attractions. The vicinity boasts splendid mountains, valleys, and resounding springs, creating a picturesque landscape. Often hailed as the hidden paradise, the village offers a serene haven. To delve deeper into the charms of Akhlamad village and discover its remarkable features, stay with us in OverIran magazine.
Where is Ahlamad?
Akhlamad village stands as one of the most beautiful and delightful summer retreats near Mashhad city, drawing numerous travelers and residents to revel in its scenic nature and exceptional attractions. The copious natural water resources, including rivers and cascading springs, contribute to a rich diversity in the vegetation of Akhlamad village compared to its neighboring cities.
Situated in Chenaran city, Akhlamad village finds its place nestled between the Binaloud mountains. Beyond the bountiful water resources, the presence of lofty peaks and verdant valleys in the vicinity sets the climate of this region apart from other parts of Razavi Khorasan.
Location of Akhlamad waterfall on Google map
One of the most renowned natural attractions in Akhlamad village is its waterfall, refreshing the surrounding nature. During the hot season, when Mashhad experiences sweltering weather, many tourists flock to this village to relish the cool climate and explore the nearby mountains. The village’s environment and its surrounding landscapes provide a stunning backdrop for nature photography.
In the Akhlamad valley, tall limestone rocks, varying in height, offer an ideal terrain for rock climbers to explore and practice. The flowing water from the springs and waterfalls in this valley is sweet, distinguishing Akhlamad Valley with an unparalleled abundance of water resources in Khorasan.
A significant feature of Akhlamad village lies in its apple orchards, where apple cultivation dominates. Numerous gardeners in Akhlamad tend to their orchards, with apple being the primary horticultural product. While many gardens are privately owned and off-limits to visitors, various parts of the natural surroundings around Akhlamad village welcome travelers and tourists. Additionally, the village hosts sizable lime and lead mines, ranking among the most significant mines in northeastern Iran.
Exploring this beautiful village, with its extensive history and outstanding natural attractions, proves to be an excellent choice for those interested in tourism around Mashhad.
Things to do in Akhlamad
There are various natural attractions in Akhlamad village that capture the attention of tourists interested in nature tourism. The village boasts waterfalls, caves, valleys, and natural springs, with some historical attractions located a short distance away. These sights have transformed Akhlamad village into a paradise for nature lovers. In the following, we will introduce the most famous places of interest in Akhlamad village.
Elf valley
Elf Valley, also known as Akhlamad Valley, stands as one of Akhlamad village’s most famous natural attractions. Nestled among the slopes of Binaloud Mountain, this valley boasts remarkable natural sights. The favorable climate and a continuous water flow have fostered dense forest cover, with apple and walnut trees flourishing. Some waterfalls in the area are seasonal, while others are permanent, drawing numerous travelers throughout the year, especially in spring and summer.
The valley’s name has roots in superstitions passed down through generations among the locals. However, the choice of the name “Elf Valley” is more practical, given the dark and winding path covered with thick vegetation. Consequently, it has earned its reputation as one of the best nature tourism routes in Iran. The entire Akhlamad valley is adorned with limestone rocks, flowing rivers, and picturesque springs and waterfalls.
Akhlamad waterfalls
Akhlamad Waterfall stands out as one of the most captivating attractions in Akhlamad village and Elf Valley, drawing a multitude of tourists throughout the year. Comprising several distinct waterfalls, two of them stand at a short distance, reaching an impressive height of about 80 meters each. The reverberation of these cascades in the exquisite nature of Akhlamad Valley, especially during the lush greenery and flowering of plants in spring, immerses tourists in sheer pleasure.
Seven waterfalls grace Akhlamad Valley, necessitating a journey through the most picturesque natural landscapes and nestled rocks. Consequently, nature tourism around these waterfalls poses a challenge for some. Four waterfalls in this spectacular valley maintain their flow throughout the year, freezing during the winter months. The remaining three waterfalls experience seasonal flows, beginning in the early days of spring in Akhlamad Valley.
The origins of Akhlamad waterfalls trace back to the perennial river and bubbling springs in the mountains surrounding the village of Akhlamad. The primary waterfalls, boasting the greatest height, mark the culmination of the Akhlamad river. A smaller waterfall, approximately 23 meters high, graces the access road to the taller waterfalls. Two additional waterfalls perch on the heights overlooking the primary cascades, requiring rock climbing for exploration.
To reach Akhlamad waterfalls, a two-kilometer riverside journey is necessary. The limestone structures of the rocks surrounding these waterfalls have carved deep pools beneath them. The water from Akhlamad waterfalls diffuses like mist in the air, creating a mesmerizing spectacle during its descent from the mountain. The water temperature is notably low, inducing a chilly atmosphere. The rocks around Akhlamad waterfalls are adorned with green moss, and the space between these two natural wonders is known as “Takht Shah Abbas.” Visiting these splendid waterfalls amid pristine nature promises to be one of the highlights of your trip to Akhlamad village.
Akhlamad mountains
The Akhlamad mountains surrounding Elf Valley constitute a highly sought-after route for mountaineers and rock climbers. Simultaneously, the limestone structure and rocky formations attract the keen interest of rock climbing enthusiasts. Mizan, Manijeh, and Peru mountains form the three main interconnected mountain ranges around this village, enveloping both the village and Akhlamad valley. Positioned to the east of Akhlamad, Mizan Mountain is comparatively drier than other sections, featuring predominantly pasture vegetation.
Adjacent to Mizan Mountain in the east and south lies Manijeh Mountain. The elevations of this mountain abound in springs, verdant trees, and dense vegetation. It is from this mountain range that the Akhlamad river and Elf Valley waterfalls originate. Moving to the northwest, Mount Peru or Farab proves to be the prime location for livestock grazing in the area and serves as fertile grounds for the villagers’ farming endeavors.
The best time to travel to Akhalmad
this village possesses its unique charm throughout the year. Nestled in a mountainous region, the village enjoys a milder climate compared to other cities in Khorasan. Experiencing substantial rainfall in the form of both snow and rain during the latter half of the year, the waterfalls surrounding Akhlamad freeze during snowfall and frost.
For those inclined toward nature tourism in the winter season, this village unfolds a distinctive beauty that is sure to captivate your attention. As spring approaches and the final days of March unfold, the ice on the waterfalls melts, reaching their most voluminous state. From the middle of spring, the gardens and trees of Akhlamad valley burst into bloom, transforming the nature surrounding this village into a breathtaking spectacle.
Finally
Akhlamad village stands as one of the most renowned natural tourism destinations near Mashhad, attracting numerous tourists and nature lovers throughout the year. The natural landscapes surrounding this village consist of terrains near hot and dry areas, marking them as one of the most significant natural assets in the northeast of Iran. On your trip to Mashhad, be sure to visit the village and waterfalls of Akhlamad.